Which Carpet Cleaning Method is Best? Wet, Dry, or DIY?
Which Carpet Cleaning Method is Best? Wet, Dry, or DIY?
What Method is Best to Clean Your Carpet?
There are several different methods to clean your carpet. Each cleaning method has its own advantages and drawbacks. How do you choose which one is the best option on your floor? This article will go over every method, along with its advantages and disadvantages, to help you pick the best method prior to when it's time to clean your carpet.
There are two different ways you can clean carpets, either dry or wet. Dry carpet cleaning employs the no-moisture, also known as the "very low moisture" (VLM) method. Carpet cleaning that is wet uses water, also known for its hot-water extraction technique. Wet cleaning is commonly called steam cleaning for carpets.
Dry cleaning
While it uses some water; however, dry cleaning a carpet is typically called surface cleaning. This is an efficient cleaning technique for areas with a lot of traffic that needs to dry quickly. This isn't the best choice for a thorough clean; however, it can work well for cleaning maintenance.
Pros
- Simple cleaning system that doesn't require any special technical knowledge
- It is dry fast, with the entire process taking around 20 minutes before you are able to use your carpet once more.
- Fast, inexpensive, and easy to use and apply
Cons
- The powder may not be cleaned to a complete extent and let sit on the carpet to collect over time.
- The accumulation of dust can cause a build-up inside your home.
- It is not possible to clean deeply into your carpet.
Wet Cleaning
Wet cleaning employs high-pressure water and is called steam cleaning. The first step is to apply an astringent shampoo to the carpet. This will help to melt the oil and soil-based staining. The machine sprays cleaning solvent on the carpet and takes it away along with the dust and allergens. This helps in removing dirt deep in the carpet's fibers.
Pros
- Is able to draw dirt out of deep in the carpet
- Utilize extreme pressures, high temperature, and chemical concentrates
- This allows an extended period of time for the chemical reaction to occur.
- A grooming or extraction tool assists in the agitation of chemical reactions.
- The most commonly employed carpet cleaning method
- Carpet manufacturers, professionals, and cleaning experts suggest the annual maintenance of your carpets.
Cons
- It can take a long time to dry out, although some experienced technicians can speed up this amount of time by applying high-powered equipment.
- The highest efficiency can usually only be achieved using expensive equipment.
- It is more expensive than other methods.
DIY Carpet Cleaning
You might have seen the carpet cleaners that you can buy at your local hardware and grocery stores or the countless steam cleaning machines at your department stores. There are a lot of types of equipment available that could cause you to reconsider your annual call to your carpet cleaning service.
Pros
- Save money in the beginning.
- You are in complete control of the cleanliness and which areas are being cleaned.
- You don't need to make an appointment, and you can accommodate your own timetable.
- Products to remove spots and stains are quite affordable.
Cons
- You won't get as thorough and clean as professionals because you don't be able to perform the same tasks.
- You must complete the work by yourself.
- It can take a long time to dry.
- Self-treated areas with stained spots tend to come back.



